Zimbabwe On The Way Up?

Driving through Zimbabwe used to be a nightmare, which is why we eventually gave up on it. Are things better for tourists now that Old Bob has been kicked to the kerb by his own people?

As a general rule, we tend to avoid Zimbabwe at all costs.

Years ago, it used to feature regularly as a destination in this magazine, but after multiple bad experiences with corrupt border officials and police officers, we decided it just wasn’t worth the effort. Why struggle with all the red tape when Botswana is just as beautiful and infinitely more welcoming to outsiders?

The onslaught of corruption in Zimbabwe was, in our opinion, suffocating. On one particular trip, we were pulled over at every single roadblock, where officers would take their sweet time in an effort to find something they could fine us for. When nothing was found, they started making things up. The country is so poor that even those meant to serve and protect have to turn to dastardly deeds to provide for their families.

But then Mugabe got the axe and people started talking about change. We received some letters stating “it’s much better these days” but the memories of our various encounters were still fresh. Maybe someday we’d return...

Then Mercedes sent an email, asking if we’d like to join them on an adventure meant to reward a few of its hard-working dealers.

As a fly-in, fly-out proposition, we were attracted to the offer. Not having to deal with border crossings removes 50% of the stress and drama. At least enough for us to consider going.

What sold us on the idea were the regions we’d be visiting. If ever there was a showcase for the best Zimbabwe has to offer, the national parks and the town of Victoria Falls are it. Driving in a convoy with 10 other vehicles also tends to dissuade the corrupt from giving you grief.

MATOBO NATIONAL PARK

The flight to Bulawayo is easy, even though customs on the Zim side can be slightly tricky, if only because the Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo International Airport is such a chaotic place.